Jamul, California
One of the top outdoor adventures in Jamul, California, is the Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area Trail. This 6.1-mile trail is moderately difficult and offers scenic views of rolling hills, oak woodlands, and a year-round creek. You'll also find a variety of wildflowers and wildlife along the trail. Another must-visit is the McGinty Mountain Trail, known for its unique rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding area. For a more leisurely outdoor activity, visit the Sweetwater Reservoir Riding and Hiking Trail. This easy, 4.1-mile trail is perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride. It winds around the reservoir, providing beautiful water views. These are just a few examples of the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Jamul.
Top Spots in and near Jamul
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Julian, California
Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec
5.01.29 mi / 443 ft gainGhost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Julian, California.Read more -
Encinitas, California
Photograph Surfers at Beacons Beach
5.0Pack for a day of fun, and don’t forget your camera! Getting there is easy. You can plug “beacons beach” or Leucadia State Beach right into your gps. You’ll find it right off of Neptune Street, where you can park in the parking lot on top of the sea bluff. Walk down the windy beach trail and you ...Read more -
Julian, California
Blair Valley Trail
11.4 mi / 873 ft gainBlair Valley Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Julian, California.Read more -
Encinitas, California
Grandview Beach
5.03 miGrandview Beach is a great spot for surfing when conditions line up (see Surfline). it's also an ideal spot to kick back and relax (bring your whole fam, dogs too). If you're looking for a little fitness, you can start at either Grandview Beach and head south along the beach to the San Elijo la...Read more -
Julian, California
Agua Caliente Hot Spring
5.01.53 mi / 164 ft gainAgua Caliente Hot Spring is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a hot springs located near Julian, California.Read more -
Carlsbad, California
South Carlsbad Campground
5.0South Carlsbad Campground is a picturesque experience. Imagine gorgeous sea cliffs overlooking a lovely beach, with ample activities to pursue (or just lay in the sun and enjoy some quiet time). The most popular campsites, 1-70 and 156-222, are perched on the edge of a bluff and feature the best ...Read more -
Carlsbad, California
Hike and Fish at Lake Calavera
4.06.24 miLake Calavera Preserve is located in Carlsbad, CA and is home to one of North America's smallest volcanoes. It is the end peak of each trail and is what's known as a "volcanic plug" (cool hardened lava). The northern face of Mount Calavera is that of columnar joints- columns of molded lava. Geolo...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hike to Mountain Palm Springs, Anza Borrego SP
3 mi / 350 ft gainAt first glance the Anza-Borrego desert appears lifeless, a wasteland of rocky plain peaks rising up from Carrizo Plains covered in Cholla cactus and Ocotillo. But one of the surprises is a mirage of California fan palm groves hidden in a series of canyons.The Mountain Palm Springs oasis loop is ...Read more -
Warner Springs, California
Eagle Rock via the Pacific Crest Trail
5.06.2 mi / 807 ft gainWith doing more hikes in the SoCal area, I've realized half the battle is just trying to find the damn trailhead.Technically you have 2 ways to enter this trail ... Start from 79 and add a very enjoyable extra 3ish miles, or start from the Warner Springs Fire Station, for a total 7 mile hike.We c...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hike Canyon Sin Nombre
4.05 mi / 750 ft gainThis slot canyon hike is found deep in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Canyon Sin Nombre. If you have a suitable 4WD vehicle you can drive about 2.2 miles to the start of the slot otherwise you can hike down the sandy unpaved road. The entrance will be on your left and marked by metal posts...Read more -
San Diego County, California
Hike to the Goat Canyon Trestle
5.07 miThe main attraction of this hike is the wooden trestle. This engineering marvel was built in 1932 and still remains the tallest and longest curved wooden trestle in the U.S.This hike is recommended for the physically and mentally prepared. From Mortero Palms, it's a 3.5 mile (7 miles roundtrip) t...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Buccaneer Beach
If you're looking for a beach to bring your family, Buccaneer Beach is the place to go. It has a little bit of everything plus a huge parking lot, so it's really never full (unless you go midday on the 4th of July or something). There is a grassy area next to the parking lot with benches to have...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Hike Thunder Spring and Chimney Flat Loop
3.04 mi / 900 ft gainPalomar Mountain is the hidden gem of San Diego. Well, not so hidden per se- but most don't know that the little climb up the mountain can transport you from the prevalent brush-filled terrain of SD to a lush, diverse forest.The great thing about Palomar is that every day you visit could be compl...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Hike to French Valley
5.03.8 mi / 450 ft gainWhen it comes to Palomar Mountain State Park, most people stick to Doane Lake and Upper Doane Valley. Yet on the far right of the parking lot at Doane Pond, there is actually a trailhead that will guide you to a completely different section of the park. The Lower Doane Valley trail is, in my opti...Read more -
Palomar Mountain, California
Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground
5.04.4 mi / 718 ft gainSituated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area. A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their own telescopes. Dr...Read more -
Oceanside, California
Catch a Sunset at Oceanside Pier
4.8Both sides of the pier are awesome to shoot but depending on the time of the year/sun position one might be better than the other. Super mellow beach to chill out at and watch the sunset. You can get some awesome reflections in the tide. Keep an eye on your gear as there can be sketchy crackheads...Read more
